The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) has completed the installation of Robert Indiana's LOVE sculpture (Red Outside Blue Inside)-an iconic twentieth-century American artwork on the museum's south lawn near South Campus Drive.
One of the most recognizable works of art in the world, LOVE is now a permanent part of the UMFA's collection of over 22,000 artworks and is expected to serve as a new cultural landmark at The University of Utah and for the state of Utah.
The effort to bring the $4.5 million sculpture to campus was initiated by university donors and state leaders in part to highlight the role the UMFA plays as Utah's public art museum.
"It's truly thrilling that the acquisition of this amazing artwork has come to fruition," said Gretchen Dietrich, the Marcia and John Price Executive Director of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts. "It's the UMFA's mission to connect people with art in ways that inspire curiosity and conversation and bring people together across time, geography and difference. And LOVE is now a highlight of the UMFA's permanent collection."
Bringing LOVE to the university was made possible through a combination of state support and private funding, ensuring that maintenance, conservation, security and long-term stewardship were built into the acquisition from the outset, treating the sculpture as a public art investment for future generations.
Donors include:
- The State of Utah
- The Coburn Family Trust
- The John and Marcia Price Foundation
- C. Tanner Company
- The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation
- Zions Bank
- And a gift in honor of Scott and Jesselie Anderson from The Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation
First created in the 1960s, Indiana's LOVE has come to symbolize connection, unity and shared humanity across generations and cultures. Its installation at UMFA places this powerful message where it will be experienced daily by students, faculty, staff and visitors from across Utah and beyond.
There are 86 iterations of Indiana's LOVE sculptures, but only nine produced in the 12-by-12-by-6-foot parameters of the university work. The sculpture was located on the corner of 55th Street and 6th Avenue in New York City for more than 20 years. The sculpture was acquired through Christie's when it became available for sale in 2024.
The UMFA is one of Utah's leading cultural institutions, serving students, scholars and communities statewide. Through exhibitions, public programs and permanent installations like LOVE, the museum advances the university's mission of education, research and public service.
Timelapse video of the overnight installation, can be watched here.
